Consecration Of The Hardwick Lodge, No. 2373, At Chesterfield.

CONSECRATION OF THE HARDWICK LODGE , No . 2373 , AT CHESTERFIELD .

There was a large gathering of Freemasons at Chesterfield on Wednesday , the 18 th instant , when the ceremony of consecration of a new lodge was performed . The proceedings took place in the Scarsdale Lodge room , which was crowded with representatives of nearly all the neighbouring lodges . There was a numerous attendance of brethren . The brethren having taken their places , Bro . H . C . Okeover , P . ] . G . W . England , D . P . G . M ., entered and took the chair .

The usual formalities having been duly recognised , the PROV . GRAND MASTER announced the object of the gathering , and Bro . E . Morris , M . A ., S . W . 2129 , P . P . G . Chap ., invoked a blessing on the proceedings , after vvhich Bro . W . Naylor , P . G . S . B ., P . G . Sec , informed the Prov . Grand Master that the petitioners had obtained a warrant from Grand Lodge , and were desirous that the lodge ,

which will henceforth be known as the Hardwick Lodge , No . 2373 , should be constituted and consecrated . The imposing portion of the ceremony was now reached . The petitioners for the new lodge arranged themselves round one side of the room , and were questioned by the Prov . Grand Master as to whether they approved of the brethren nominated in the warrant to preside over them .

These were-. Bros . W . Wynne Jeudvvine , P . P . S . G . W ., W . M . ; L . F . Shaw , P M . S . W . ; C . F . Margerson , J . W . ; J . K . Swallow , Treas . ; J . B . Jenkinson , S . D . ; f . H . Bennett , J . D . ; W . H . Crofts , I . G . ; A . Boden and W . T . Buckland , Stwds ; I . VV . Flather , Sec . ; and William Grayson , Tyler . Approval was signified in Masonic form , and the Prov . Grand Master proceeded to constitute the brethren into a regular lodge .

An oration having been delivered , an anthem , " Hail the Universal Lord , was rendered , at the conclusion of which the first portion of the consecration prayer was offered . " Behold , how good and joyful a thing it is , brethren , to dwell together in unity , " having been sung , the Prov . Grand Master gave the invocation , vvhich was followed by all chanting "So mote it be . " The lodge board vvas after this unveiled by the P . G . D . of C . and the lodge perfumed by the Prov . G . Chaplain with the censer . The Chaplain also read Exodus , chapter xxx ., verses vit . and viit .

The Prov . Grand Master then rose , and , accompanied by three Past Masters bearing the elements of consecration , made the circuit of the lodge board , and on reaching the east strewed corn , the emblem of plenty . The lodge having been dedicated , wine vvas poured out as a signification of joy and happiness , and oil as the emblem of unity . The latter portion of the consecration prayer was read , and the lodge was seasoned with salt by the Prov . Grand Master , who also pronounced

the final dedication and consecration . The ceremony concluded with the installation of Bro . W . Wynne Jeudwine , P . M ., W . M . designate , as first W . M . of the lodge by Bro . Thomas Cox , P . P . S . G . W ., the other officers as mentioned having been appointed and invested by the W . M . Subsequently a banquet took p lace in the Market Hall , which was largely attended , This proved a brilliant and successful conclusion to the day ' s work .

Consecration Of The Columbia Lodge, No. 2397.

CONSECRATION OF THE COLUMBIA LODGE , No . 2397 .

The consecration of the Columbia Lodge , No . 2397—vvhich is intended to supplement the good work being done by the Anglo-American Lodge in entertaining American brethren visiting England—took place at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , on Thursday , the 19 th inst ., in the presence of a large and

representative gathering of Masons . The Consecrating Officer was Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . Thomas Fenn , President Board of General Purposes , as S . W . ; W . G . Lemon , A . G . D . of C , as J . W . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , LL . D ., P . G . C , as Chap . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . Std . Br ., as D . of C . ; and Col . W . Bristow , P . G . S . B ., as I . G .

The founders and officers designate of the new lodge—a large majority of whom were present—are Bros . Major George Lambert , F . S . A ., P . G . S . B . , I . P . M . ; A . Clark , P . M ., P . Z ., W . M . ; Col . John T . North , S . W . ; Alf . Cooke , J . P . ( Mayor of Leeds ) , J . W . ; John B . Gumming , P . M ., P . Z ., Treas . ; Wm . J . Spratling , B . Sc , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . Treas . Middlesex , Sec . ; Henry S . Wellcome , S . D . ; F . S . Hobson , P . M ., J . D . ; Elias Jessurun , I . G . ; B . Crumplen , D . C . ; John Morgan

Richards , A . D . C . ; W . Henry , P . M ., Org . ; Frederick C . Van Duzer , Charles Hubbard , P . M ., and Major Francis W . Frigout , P . M ., Stewards ; Brackstone Baker , P . Z ., P . G . D . ; W . M . Bywater , P . Z ., P . G . S . B . ; Thomas J , Barratt , P . M . ; E . Caffin , P . M ., P . G . S . ; General J . C . New , Dr . J . J . Wedgwood , " M . D ., P . M . ; Maurice Jewell , P . M . ; Harry Meiggs , Arthur W . Chapman , P . M . ; Victor Le Huray , Walter Thornton Linton , and Robert S . Murray . In addition to the Consecrating Officers and founders , the following visitors

were present : Bros . A . A . Pendlebury , A . G . Sec . ; S . Vallentine , A . G . P . ; D . D . Mercer , G . P . ; R . F . Gould , P . G . L ) . ; T . H . lilton , D . D . G . M . New York City ; W . F . Smithson , J . G . D . ; R . Loveland Loveland , S . G . D . ; George Hayes , P . G . S ., P . D . D . G . M . Sth Ds ., N . YA ; Richard Eve , Past Grand Treasurer ; 1 . Zacharie , M . D . ; Sir J . K . Somers Vine , S . G . D . ; R . Clay Sudlow , G . Std . Br . ; Baron de Ferrieres , P . G . D . ; VV . H . lomson , J . VV . Courtenay , P . M . ; Richard Pye , P . M . ; S . Wootton , Gamble Hobson , C . 1 . Phipps , W . li . Hayman , John Green , H . Hartley , E . J . Whiteway , R .

Hewetson , G . J . Kearton , D . VV . Dickson , A . Stribling , J . Asman , A . Ball , Rev . H . Turner , P . P . G . Chap . Surrey ; H . Lindfield , K . J . Murray , A . Lewis , R . J . Ward , A . T . Hill , J . Keller , Robert Main , Sarti , J . Read , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; J . B . Joseph , ' Ihos . Bradley , Orlton Cooper , S . VV . 211 , •VV . VV . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 ; T . Archer , M . Davis , G . Covvell , P . M . ; George Cook , M . Post , Alf . de Breanski , Jno . Chandler , E . L . Tomkins . A . CuninghamJ . H . Hames , P . M . ; Jno . Paige , P . M . ; W . J . Fisher , Jacob Gates , VV . Pond , H . Meiggs , T . J . Barratt , P . M ., and Augustus Frigout .

The Grand Officers having entered in procession , the Consecrating Officer took the chair , behind which were hung the Union Jack and American flags , and appointed his ofiicers pro fern . ' The lodge vvas opened in the Three Degrees , and a hymn was sung , after which Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . Sec , addressing the brethren , said they had assembled in that room on a very important Masonic occasion , and one which must always prove of great interest to Masons who have the prosperity of the

Order at heart . They had assembled to give effect to the warrant issued b y his Royal Hig hness the M . W . G . M ., and to usher into existence a new lodgeonthe magnificent roll of Grand Lodge , a lodge which they could safel y predict would have a happy and prosperous career . It vvas just four years ago since he had the honour of consecrating a lodge close to that building called the Anglo-American Lodge , and most of those present vvere probably aware of the peculiar reasons which called that lodge into existence . It was that they in London might have a place in which to welcome their good American brethren from the other side of

Consecration Of The Columbia Lodge, No. 2397.

the water . During the past four years its mission had been amply and successfully carried out , for the Anglo-American Lodge had , as he was aware , held out the right hand of friendship and hospitality to many of their excellent and esteemed brethren from America . It was now sought by some members to extend the principle and idea by having another lodge founded on similar lines , so that they might have extended means of carrying out the opportunity of welcoming

American brethren . The petition had been properl y drawn out , and his Royal Highness , after due deliberation , having considered the reasons set forth as satisfactory , had been pleased to grant a warrant for a new lodge to be called the Columbia Lodge , a name which brought to their minds their brethren on the other side , and in which the same excellent principles would be carried out which had made the Anglo-American Lodge so distinguished . They had met that day to

g ive effect to that warrant , and in accordance with the Grand Master ' s commands to dedicate it to Masonry . He need scarcely say to the founders that they had an important trust committed to their charge , and that they must be careful of the work carried out , and especially careful as to those whom they received into the lodge . He always felt it his duty to say a word of warning as to what he feared was too often the case in the present day of indiscriminate admission , for the Order had

been so much in evidence that he was sure many sought admission who were scarcel y proper persons to be admitted , and it was necessary for every member , especiall y of a new lodge , to search out the antecedents oi candidates . By carrying out that rule they would gain their reward , for they would have a lodge of which they would be proud . He would proceed with the consecration ceremony by calling upon the Chaplain to give them the benefit of prayer .

The founders having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , an oration was delivered by Bro . Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap . The ceremony , which included the anthems— " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is , " " O , how amiable are Thy dwellings , " and " I have surely built Thee an house "—was then proceeded with , and the lodge was solemnly dedicated and constituted in due form .

The Grand Secretary then installed the W . M . designate , Bro . Adolphus Clark , P . M ., who invested the following officers * . Bros . Major George Lambert , P . G . S . B . acting I . P . M . ; Alf . Cooke , J . P . ( Mayor of Leeds ) , J . W . ; John B . Gumming ' P . M ., Treas . ; William J . Spratling , P . M ., Sec ; Henry S . Wellcome , S . D .

F . Stratham Hobson , P . M ., J . D . ; Elias Jessurun , I . G . ; Benj . Crumplen , D . C ; J . Morgan Richards , A . D . C . ; W . Henry , P . M ., Org . ; Frederick C . Van Duzer , Charles Hubbard , P . M ., and Major Francis W . Frigout , P . M ., Stwds . ; and T . Bowler , Tyler . Bro . Colonel John T . North , the S . W . designate , was unavoidably absent owing to a previous engagement .

A Committee was appointed to frame by-laws , and seven brethren vvere proposed as joining members , and one gentleman proposed for initiation .

On the proposition of Bro . BRACKSTONE BAKER , P . G . D ., seconded b y Bro . Major GEORGE LAMBERT , P . G . S . B ., the Consecrating Ofiicers vvere heartil y thanked for their attendance , and vvere asked to accept the honorary membershi p of the lodge . The GRAND SECRETARY , on behalf of himself and colleagues , returned thanks , expressing the pleasure it had afforded them to be present , and their hopes of future visits to witness the prosperity of the lodge .

A cordial vote of thanks having been accorded the founders who had made various gifts to the lodge , the lodge was formally closed . A sumptuous banquet followed , and vvas succeeded b y the customary toasts , "The Queen and tbe Craft" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " being briefly given from the chair and cordiall y received .

Bro . Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . Chap ., in response to the toast of "The Grand Officers , " proposed b y Bro . J . J . Wedgwood , acting S . W ., said it was a very happy thing that he was associated to respond with such a distinguished Freemason as Bro . Sir Somers Vine . They vvere always anxious to throw upon another man ' s shoulders whatever their own duty might be , and he was happy to do so upon the present occasion on principle , because he had already occupied more of their

attention than probably he should have had during the day , and , therefore , he should simply content himself vvith saying how sensible he was of the hi g h honour and great pleasure it had been to assist the Consecrating Officers in launching that remarkable and historical lodge . He duly appreciated the honour conferred upon himself and the other Consecrating Officers in making them honorary members , and trusted , on some few occasions at any rate , to do himself the honour and pleasure of answering to that kindness on their behalf .

Bro . Sir SOMERS VINE , S . G . D ., said that if he needed any excuse for being brief , it would be the happy circumstance that he had to follow so distinguished a Freemason as Bro . Rev . R . J . Simpson , who had for many years worn the purple , whilst circumstances had prevented him ( Bro . Sir S . Vine ) from taking his fair share of work during the period in vvhich he had occupied office . He was not , therefore , able to speak with that assurance of the work of the Grand Officers , but he believed , and knew from his experience in various parts of the world , that the Grand Lodge was held in reverence and esteem .

Bro . BRACKSTONE BAKER , P . G . D ., next proposed " The Sister Grand Lodges of the United States and the Dominion of . Canada , " which , he said , was a toast always given in the Anglo-American Lodge , from vvhich many of them hailed , almost since its establishment . They had heard of somebody who discovered America , but it was due to the Anglo-American Lodge to say they discovered Anglo-American Freemasonry in England . No sooner was the lodge open for

the reception of American brethren than they crowded in and they had as many as they could desire , including the Grand Masters of nearly all the States . The existence of the Columbia Lodge did not require any apology . If it did , the few graceful words their respected Grand Secretary had said would have sufficed to explain its ori gin . They were not in any way competitors with the Anglo-American Lodge , but were going side by side , for it was only natural that

expansion should take place . The Americans were so industrious and enterprising that America vvas never finished and there was always something going on and being extended . In 1845 there vvere but 26 States , now there were 48 . It was in 1637 that the first District Grand Master—Daniel Cox—was appointed . Now there vvere 4 8 Grand Masters , and he had the honour of representing 23 American Grand Lodges in the Grand Lodge of England . Such was the state of

Freemasonry that the declaration of independence was signed by 56 gentlemen , 52 of whom vvere Masons . A happy thought struck many to have a lodge in Eng land for Americans , and one touch of Masonry made the whole world kin . The heart and centre of America was Washington in Columbia , and they , therefore , called their lodge the Columbia . It was only natural , looking at the expansion of Masonry in the United States , that they should wish to provide a home for American Masons in this country .

Bro . G . HAYES , P . D . D . G . M . Sth Dist ., N . Y . S ., on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York , thanked them most cordiall y for the great kindness with vvhich the toast had been drunk . He felt justified , too , in adding thanks for Canada , for he vvas personally acquainted with Bro . Robinson . There vvere American-English and English-American . He was a native of this country , vvhich he need not have told them , and in America they had found it out for to

themselves . The Anglo-American Lodge was a beautiful idea , but he wished take exception to Bro . Baker ' s remark that that idea originated here . They hat Anglo-American lodges in New York City , and also Scotch-American lodges , and it vvas a grand idea for an American to feel on coming here that he was in one ot his own lod ges . They all knew that Masonry was a grand and noble institution , but it afforded excellent scope for the devil , and they had Masonic hypocrites . L them look for quality , and not for quantity . He wished to tell them what had been